Fitzgerald Lauded As Great Judge

``God did create a model judge. He is Richard J. Fitzgerald. He is as good as they get.``

That was just some of the praise heaped upon the former presiding judge of Cook County Criminal Court at a tribute held in his honor Wednesday by the Chicago Bar Association.

The praise came from U.S. District Judge George M. Marovich, who once served as a county judge under Fitzgerald in Criminal Court.

Fitzgerald, 74, spent 24 of his 25 years as a judge in Criminal Court, and he served the last 13 years as chief judge and administrator before retiring.

Speaking at a luncheon before 250 judges and attorneys, a who`s who of the legal profession in Chicago and Cook County, Marovich said:

``Judge Fitzgerald was always in control of himself and the situation. He led by example. Among his qualities were scholarship, intellect, patience, compassion, dignity, humility, good humor and common sense. But his greatest trait was his ability to deal with people.

``His advice to those in his profession who came to him for counsel was always-`Do the right thing.`

``His career has earned him the treasure that money can`t buy-our love and our respect. He is the most decent and honorable man that I know.``

Roy E. Hofer, president of the bar association, recalled that in 1979 then-U.S. Atty. Thomas Sullivan disclosed to Fitzgerald the federal government`s ``Operation Greylord`` inquiry into the county court system. The investigation has resulted in the conviction of 84 people, including 15 judges and dozens of lawyers.

Hofer said Fitzgerald`s achievements include introducing a computerized random procedure for assigning cases to judges, opening a repeat-offenders court to speed up the trials of frequent violators of the law and improving conditions at the County Jail.

Hofer also recalled the words of defense attorney F. Lee Bailey that Fitzgerald was ``the finest judge I have ever tried a case in front of.``

Harry Comerford, chief judge of the Circuit Court, said, ``Judge Fitzgerald`s career provides the definition of a judge. He has the highest regard of his peers and the legal profession. A legend, a role model, he served the county in an unselfish and dedicated manner for a quarter of a century.``

In acknowledging the accolades, Fitzgerald responded, ``This is one of the proudest moments of my life. I accept your tribute with a great deal of humility. No man is an island and any accomplishment on my part could not have been possible without the assistance of you who are here present today.``

After the affair, Fitzgerald said:

``Looking back on these past 25 years on the bench, I am conscious of the progress that has been made in the criminal justice system with all the challenges that it was faced with.``

Fitzgerald presided over several famous cases, including the Silas Jayne murder conspiracy trial, the conviction of three De Mau Mau members for the slaying of four members of a Barrington Hills family, and the kidnap-slaying of Hillside police officer Anthony Raymond.